A sensor interface for interfacing with a sensor

Abstract

A sensor interface for interfacing with a sensor such as an electrochemical sensor, a temperature sensor or the like in which the interface comprises a memory configured to store data received at the interface from a sensor. The sensor interface is configured to assess the difference between data values in the memory, and to transmit advertising packets at a rate dependent on the difference between the values. The sensor interface includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory is configured to store data received at the sensor interface from a sensor. The non-volatile memory is configured to store data stored in the volatile memory. The sensor interface is configured such that: data received at the sensor is stored in the volatile memory forming stored data until the volatile memory is substantially full and then at least some of the stored data is transferred to the non-volatile memory.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a sensor interface for interfacing with a sensor such as an electrochemical sensor (for example, for pH, ion-selective, dissolved oxygen, or conductivity measurement), a temperature sensor or the like typically to provide wireless communication for the sensor.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Electric sensors are well known in the measurement and instrumentation industry. They are used widely in laboratories and in the field to measure physical and chemical properties of samples. A typical electric sensor is an electrochemical sensor such as pH, ion-selective, dissolved oxygen or conductivity electrode or a temperature sensor. They are available commercially in several different form factors.[0003]A meter may have both an electrochemical sensor and an electronic temperature sensor fitted to it. This is because the parameters being measured by the electrochemical sensor may be altered by the temperature of a solution under t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026]This is a low power arrangement for storing sensor data. This is because there is less writing and erasing to non-volatile memory of known arrangements, and such writing and erasing to non-volatile memory has high power requirements.

Problems solved by technology

Known arrangements such as the many described above with separate sensors and meters with wireless communication between the meter and the sensor are power intensive.

In known arrangements, that use batteries for power, the battery life of the sensor is low.

While this is inconvenient in some sensor applications such as for domestic use it is acceptable.

However, for other applications such as for sensor use in remote areas for occasional readings from the sensor it is not acceptable.

Images